Thursday, October 13, 2016

In Order to Teach, We Must NOT Disqualify Ourselves

Photo from Unknown Author

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:5

Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

Insights: Today we are introduced to the second illustration Paul uses regarding teachers. The illustration is in reference to an olympic athlete who follows the rules of the games. I often think of a long jumper in regards to this illustration. They run down the long track and then jump into the box of sand. They try to get as close to the fault line as they can, but all too often, they step on the fault line. They are only given three chances to make a good jump. If they step on the fault line that jump does not count. If they step on it three times, they are disqualified. In our Christian walk we are called to be above reproach. In other words, we are to not disqualify ourselves by breaking the rules. The problem to this situation is we are all going to break the rules apart from Christ Jesus. We must daily, no, moment by moment, trust the Lord to fill us with His Spirit in order to live above reproach. In our earthly lives our words need to be above reproach. Sunday I spoke briefly about our current presidential run for the office. As far as I am concerned both of the mainline candidates have disqualified themselves from office because they are not living lives above reproach. Both candidates are untrustworthy. May our lives, Beloved, not be characterized from this same perspective. May we truly not disqualify ourselves so that we can earn the right to pass on the truths we have learned and been taught from our spiritual heritage.

Questions:

1. What is your reputation like?

2. Have you in any way disqualified yourself from being a teaching of the Lord?

Prayer: Father, my life is often full of contradictory notions. Let me, in the midst of my struggle for authentic relational wholeness with You, not disqualify myself from service to You and for Your kingdom. Amen.

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